AFL legend James Hird has expressed his disappointment over Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s controversial choice to forgo attending a crucial Western Bulldogs match. Despite being sidelined, Ugle-Hagan was seen at various events across Melbourne, including the NBL finals and an NRL grand final rematch, but opted not to support his teammates during their narrow defeat to Collingwood at the MCG—a significant occasion as it marked the club’s 100th anniversary.
Piecing together the timeline, it appears that while Ugle-Hagan enjoyed social outings at these events, he did not show up to the pivotal Bulldogs game. His absence prompted Hird to question the young player’s commitment, as he was left stunned by the decision. "I find it hard to understand," Hird remarked, emphasising that a player’s priority should be to support teammates, particularly during such a landmark game.
Ugle-Hagan has yet to debut this season and had only resumed training with the squad recently, leading to speculation about his standing at the Bulldogs. With head coach Luke Beveridge set to appear on Nine’s Footy Classified, Hird suggested that it might be an appropriate time to seek clarification on Ugle-Hagan’s situation and future with the team.
This scenario raises ongoing concerns about the culture and dynamics within the Bulldogs’ lineup as they navigate a challenging season.